Brooklyn Nets center Jarrett Allen has become an essential part of the team's future. Despite just being 20 years old, he has proven himself to be a great defender. However, for head coach Kenny Atkinson, Allen can still improve.

Atkinson is a big believer of Allen and even said that the young defensive stalwart can follow the footsteps of reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Rudy Gobert.

In an interview with Eric Walden of the Salt Lake City Tribune, Atkinson thinks Allen can be like Gobert, as the Nets want him to be like the veteran big man.

This season, Allen is averaging 11.2 points on an astounding 59 2 percent shooting. He is also putting up 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. The 6-foot-11 center turned heads this season when he blocked some of the best players in the league, including superstar LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Indeed, Allen has the potential to become one of the best defensive players in the league, and with enough consistency and proper development, he could be in the same breath as, or even better than Gobert.

The Nets would definitely like that idea, as Allen could make them a legitimate contender once he reaches his prime. Together with the young core of D'Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddle and Caris LeVert, Brooklyn has a bright future ahead of them.